A Grateful Heart

Several times a day I can be heard repeating a little phrase to my boys that I believe the Holy Spirit gave to me unless I just can't remember where/whom I heard it from first. As toddlers are known to do, my boys whine about so many things throughout their day. Sometimes, I'm convinced they're whining just to whine. In those moments, I try to instruct them to be grateful and hold out the little proverb, "God makes a grateful heart a happy heart". I'm sure it'll be one of those phrases that they will come to associate with mom and not always respond to in a positive way. But, if not for my sons, it is a good reminder to me.

Lately, I have been grumbling about my circumstances and about the lot God has assigned to me, but convincing myself that I am instead "venting" or sharing my burdens. This morning I woke up with a very disquieted heart. I was wrestless and upset, but couldn't discern completely why. I prayed that the Lord would use His Word to comfort me, but I walked away from my quiet time actually saying to my husband, "nothing spoke to me".

Over the course of the day, however, the Holy Spirit convicted me, bringing to mind some conversations I've had with friends recently where all I've really done is complain. My own words came back to convict me further, "God makes a grateful heart a happy heart". I realized I simply needed to confess my sin of grumbling and then begin to express gratitude instead. Slowly, as I have obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit to use my mouth for praise rather than for complaint, my heart has begun to quiet down, to be still again and even, happy!

And, as for my quiet time not speaking to me this morning, I was simply not willing to listen. One of the passages I read was from Psalm 148 which offered me the same advice I offer my sons when they are miserable and disquieted,

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!

Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps,

fire and hail, snow and mist,stormy wind fulfilling his word!

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!

Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted;

his majesty is above earth and heaven.

He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints,

for the people of Israel who are near to him.

Praise the Lord!

This is not the first time I have been convicted of grumbling, and knowing how deceitful our hearts are, I know it won't be the last I'm caught in this sin. But, I thank God that He graciously brought it to my attention and gave me grace to confess and receive His forgiveness. He truly does make a grateful heart a happy one.